Our Services at the UCC

Welcome to the Texas Southern University Counseling Center. We understand that while
the college experience can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Demands on time
and deadlines for term papers and exams are all a part of being a college student,
and that is just the academic side. There may also be issues in your life pertaining
to family, friends, roommates, romantic relationships, and financial situations. For
some students, a therapeutic relationship can provide insight and guidance concerning
such issues.

The primary responsibility of the Counseling staff is to alleviate distress and promote
healthy functioning by providing short-term counseling services. These services include
individual, couples, group, and problem solving sessions, consultation and referral
services, and public presentations for campus organizations. Confidential personal
counseling services are available for all currently enrolled TSU students. As well
as, referrals to the TSU staff psychiatrist when needed for additional assessment
and treatment.

Some examples of the kinds of issues students may discuss with the counselor include:
managing relationships, handling family problems, coping with stress, homesickness,
decreasing depressive feelings, dealing with fears, handling a crisis, improving communication,
learning to be assertive, study skills, time management, increasing self-esteem, understanding
one's sexuality, decision-making, and dealing with alcohol and/or drug concerns.

Personal CounselingThe University experience creates many opportunities for challenges and growth. At
times, students may have some difficulty coping with these changes and feel stressed,
lonely, depressed, or overwhelmed. The University Counseling Center staff can assist
students to overcome these challenges successfully.

Couple and Family CounselingProblems that are related to an ongoing relationship may need to be addressed in couples
counseling. Services are offered to couples regardless of marital status and/or sexual
orientation, as long as at least one of the partners is a currently enrolled TSU student.
If both partners are not available before 5 p.m., an appropriate referral to other
counselors which may offer evening hours will be made. Students are financially responsible
for any associated costs for outside referrals.

Group CounselingIn addition to personal, couple, and family counseling, the University Counseling
Center offers various therapeutic groups (anger management, thinking errors, healthy
relationships, depression, suicide awareness, etc.). A minimum of three students is
preferred for each session and to schedule a group.

Consultation and OutreachEducational programs and workshops for residence halls, classes, clubs, and organizations
on a variety of topics are requested each year. Programs on stress management, crisis
intervention, healthy living, depression/suicide, and domestic violence are examples
of programs that are offered. We also offer a variety of academic enhancement seminars
such as: Test Taking Skills, Academic Success and Study Skills, Time Management, Identification
of Learning Styles, etc. Please contact us at 713-313-7804 for a complete list of our workshop presentations or to request your customized presentation.

In addition, we are available to consult with faculty, staff, parents, or students
who may be concerned about a student. Assistance in crisis management and guidelines
for referral are available. Persons who are concerned about a student are urged to
contact the University Counseling Center for consultation as quickly as possible.
Please note that the UCC policy regarding confidentiality will be maintained during
the process.

Training for Practicum and Internship StudentsThe University Counseling Center provides training for practicum and internship students.
We oversee training during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. For more information,
contact Mrs. Bernadette P. Smith.